Olive oil alternative for making a sauce?

Goldenwoof

Hiya MFPers,

One of my favorite things to make is Shrimp & Scallops over Linguine in a Red Pepper Sauce. To make the sauce, I'd put a few tablespoons of olive oil in a pan, heat it up, and add some crushed red pepper and minced garlic.

Now that I'm on MFP and paying attention to calories, I apparently need to make a change. I just entered the recipe into my food database and saw how many calories are in olive oil. Something like 120/tbsp. Whoa...

So, can anyone suggest a good alternative to olive oil in making this sauce? Obviously, I'd need enough to fully coat the meal. also saute the shrimp and scallops in the sauce before mixing whatever's left over the linguine.

Suggestions?

Thanks very much!

cmriverside

Just use less oil and add some broth for flavor. You need oils. Just use less. As oils go, olive oil is a good one.

alhoward8

Are you sure you need to replace it? Olive Oil is VERY good for you. It helps raise your HDL (or whatever the good kind is...LOL).

rbryntes

I'm guessing you may not need as much oil as you're using.

Srbrosseau

Yes, if anything, just cut the amount back. Olive oil is probably the most healthy oil that you can use. Hempseed oil is also very good, but probably wouldn't work for that dish.

meewii

I would like to know this also, I am allergic to olives... so what is the best substitute for olive oil? I use canola, but is there something better?

bcattoes

Just use less oil and add some broth for flavor. You need oils. Just use less. As oils go, olive oil is a good one.

Yes, I agree with this. If you must reduce the olive oil then use broth or stock. But don't give up olive oil totally just because of the calories. Other than perhaps fish oil, there is no healthier fat than olive oil.

Goldenwoof

Interesting. Thanks for the input, all! I think I'll just cut way back and only use the oil for when I saute the seafood, instead of pouring it over the pasta, too. I'll use a regular pasta sauce for the linguine and mix the sauteed seafood in.

Much appreciated!

bcattoes

I would like to know this also, I am allergic to olives... so what is the best substitute for olive oil? I use canola, but is there something better?

Canola is good. Sunflower, safflower, peanut and rice oil are also healthy oils. Peanut and rice are good for cooking at high temps (stir fries, grilling, frying) because they have a higher smoke point than many other oils.

jbenton091011

I replaced my oil when I fry to a low cal spray like fry light (or whatever your replacement can be). They're 1 cal a spray and you use about 6 sprays for frying. I also use it on my George Foreman too instead of lightly greasing it and it's actually made a huge difference in the clean up process.

As for replacing the oil all together, I don't recommend. Olive oil is really good for you (in moderation of course) and you should aim for a tbsp a day.